Smart dock for chaining accessories

ABSTRACT

A system for communicating between an accessory and an electronic device includes a first interface, a second interface, and a docking station. The first interface is configured to communicate with the electronic device. The second interface is configured to communicate with the accessory. The docking station is coupled to the first interface and the second interface. The docking station is configured to receive a set of preferences from the accessory and forward the set of preferences to the electronic device.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/969,858 entitled “SMART DOCK FOR CHAINING ACCESSORIES,” by Scott Krueger, filed Sep. 4, 2007, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to media players, and more particularly, to docking stations for daisy chaining accessories for the media players.

Electronic devices, such as portable media players, cellular phones, personal digital assists (PDAs), and the like, are prevalent in today's marketplace, as are the peripheral electronic devices that support their use, such as docking stations and the like. As competition in the personal electronics marketplace becomes ever more heated, consumers have become more demanding in terms of both the functionality and use of such devices.

One popular function is the storage and output of content, such as music, images, photos, and movies. Improving compression methods like MPEG-standards, result in less storage capacity required making it more convenient to store tens of thousands of songs and photos, and several full-length DVD quality movies. Moreover, distribution via the Internet makes it easier to obtain multimedia content.

Several accessories are available for use in connection with portable electronic devices, such as the iPod®. In the case of an MP3 player (or, for that matter, any other digital media playback device), a number of digitized audio files are stored in a storage medium included in or coupled to the MP3 player in a fashion deemed most suitable to the user. In order to provide improved listening experiences, a number of portable accessories can be connected to the MP3 player for broadcasting of played digital music files to more than a single person. Additionally, in the case of a portable movie player, a number of portable accessories can be connected to the movie player for broadcasting of played digital movie files on standard or high-definition screens.

Accordingly, what is desired are improved methods and apparatus for using the portable electronic devices discussed above. Additionally, what is desired are improved methods and apparatus for reducing some of the drawbacks in the use of portable electronic devices.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatus, systems and methods for communicating between an accessory and an electronic device. In one embodiment, a first interface is configured to communicate with the electronic device. A second interface is configured to communicate with the accessory. A set of preferences is received from the accessory and forwarded to the electronic device.

According to one exemplary embodiment, a docking station for communicating between an accessory and an electronic device includes a first interface, a second interface, and a processor. The first interface is configured to communicate with the electronic device. The second interface is configured to communicate with the accessory. The processor is coupled to the first interface and the second interface. The processor is configured to receive a set of preferences from the accessory and forward the set of preferences to the electronic device.

The docking station may also receive information from the electronic device in response to the set of preference and forward the information to the accessory. In one embodiment, the docking station is configured to interact with the accessory to determine the set of preferences. In another embodiment, the docking station authenticates the electronic device.

In one embodiment, the docking station may interact with the electronic device to modify output of one or more signals associated with the electronic device. For example, the docking station may modify a volume setting. In one aspect, the docking station may modify the volume setting based on a stored volume setting. As another example, the docking station may modify a video setting. In one aspect, the video setting may include at least one of an upsampling setting, a downsampling setting, a format setting, a timing setting, and a video effect setting. In some embodiments, the docking station may interact with the electronic device to initiate an echo cancellation program.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a method for communicating between an accessory and an electronic device is provided. The presence of the accessory is detected at a docking station that couples the accessory to the electronic device. The docking station receives a set of preferences associated with the accessory and enables one or more functionalities associated with the electronic device based on the set of preferences. In some embodiments, the docking station is authenticated by the electronic device.

In one embodiment, a request may be generated at the docking station for the set of preferences. The set of preferences may be received at the docking station in response to the request. In another embodiment, information may be received from the electronic device at the docking station in response to the set of preference. The information then may be delivered to the accessory. In one embodiment, one or more signals, which are associated with the electronic device, are modified before being transmitted from an output of the docking station.

According to another exemplary embodiment, an electronic device holder suitable for holding an electronic device and for managing an accessory used to connect the electronic device to an external electrical system includes a first interface, a second interface, and base component. The first interface is configured to receive the electronic device. The second interface is configured to receive the accessory. The base component includes circuitry configured to communicate with the accessory through the second interface to determine a set of preferences and to communicate with the electronic device through the first interface to deliver the set of preferences.

In one embodiment, the electronic device holder includes a wireless communications interface configured to receive information indicative of one or one functionalities associated with the electronic device. The electronic device holder may include authentication circuitry configured to authenticate to the electronic device.

In various embodiments, the electronic device holder includes a third interface configured to output an audio signal. Audio control circuitry may be configured to control output of one or more signals from the electronic device through the third interface. The electronic device holder may include control circuitry configured to interact with the electronic device to initiate one or more functionalities associated with the electronic device.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a dock system includes a first interface, a second interface, and a base component. The first interface is configured to receive a first electronic device. The second interface is configured to receive a second electronic device. The base component couples the first interface and the second interface. The base component is configured to selectively enable and disable a line out signal associated with the first device based the presence of the second electronic device at the second interface.

A further understanding of the nature and the advantages of the inventions disclosed herein may be realized by reference of the remaining portions of the specification and the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to more fully understand the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings are not to be considered limitations in the scope of the invention, the presently described embodiments and the presently understood best mode of the invention are described with additional detail through use of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a media player that may incorporate embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a system for daisy chaining accessories in one embodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a block diagram illustrating a front view of a docking station in one embodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a block diagram illustrating a rear view of a docking station in one embodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 3C is a block diagram illustrating is a top view of a docking station in one embodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating interactions between a docking station and an accessory in one embodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for enabling one or more signal associated with a first electronic device based on the presence of a second electronic device at a docking station in one embodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method for modifying a volume signal using a docking station in one embodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for modifying a volume signal using a portable electronic device coupled to a docking station in one embodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method for initiating echo cancellation using docking station 300 in one embodiment according to the present invention;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are a flowchart illustrating interactions between an electronic device, a docking station, and an accessory in one embodiment according to the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a simplified block diagram of a computer system that may incorporate embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In order to better understand the present invention, aspects of the environment within which various embodiments operate will first be described.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a media player 100 that may incorporate embodiments of the present invention. In general, a media player stores content and/or media assets, such as audio tracks, movies, or photos that can be played or displayed on the media player. One example of a media player is the iPod® media player, which is available from Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. Another example of a media player is a personal computer, such as a laptop or desktop.

In this example, media player 100 includes display 110, user interface 120, storage 130, and communications interface 140. Media play 100 may display information associated with content, such as track information and album art, and the content itself, such as a photo or movie using display 110. A user may interact with user interface 120 of media player 100 to view or consume content stored with storage 130. Storage 130 may be any read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), non-volatile memory, flash memory, floppy disk, hard disk, and the like. Communications interface 150 may include universal serial bus (USB) interfaces, IEEE 1394 (or FireWire/iLink®) interfaces, wired and wireless network interfaces, and the like.

Media player 100 typically includes one or more connectors or ports (e.g., communications interface 140) that can be used to interface to media player 100. For example, a connector or port can enable media player 100 to output audio to speakers 150 ad/or output audio to headphones 160. In another example, a connector or port can enable media player to interface to an accessory 170, a host computer 180, or be inserted into a docking system 190.

Docking system 190 may further enable one or more accessory devices 195 to interface with media player 100. There are today many different types of accessory devices 170 and 195 that can interconnect to media player 100. For example, a remote control can be connected to the connector or port to allow the user to remotely control media player 100. As another example, an automobile can include a connector. The media player 100 can then be inserted onto the connector or dock such that an automobile media system can interact with media player 100, thereby allowing the media content on the media player to be played within the automobile, e.g. through the speakers of the automobile.

Often, media player 100 receive content or other media assets from a host computer (e.g., host computer 160) that serves to enable a user to manage media assets. As an example, media player 100 interface 130 allows media player 100 to interface with host computer 160 that executes a media management application to manage media assets. One example of a media management application is iTunes®, produced by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. Media player 100 may further be connected to private and public communication networks, such as the Internet.

Smart Dock

FIG. 2 is a system 200 for daisy chaining accessories in one embodiment according to the present invention. In this example, system 200 includes a docking station (or dock) 210, a device 220, and an accessory 230.

In general, dock 210 is any hardware and/or software elements that provide an interface between device 220 and accessory 230. In some embodiments, dock 210 may include at least one speaker. The speakers may include a pair of midrange speakers and a subwoofer speaker. Dock 210 may also include volume control devices. In one embodiment, the volume control devices are buttons. Still further, dock 210 may include one or more indicator lights that provide visual feedback to a user regarding the operation or condition of dock 210, device 220, and/or accessory 230. In some embodiments, dock 210 may include at least one display.

Typically, device 220 is suitable for use as media player 110 shown in FIG. 1. Device 220 may include a processor that pertains to a microprocessor or controller for controlling the overall operation of device 220. Device 220 may store media data pertaining to media assets in a file system and/or a cache. The file system is, typically, a storage disk or a plurality of disks, flash memory, and the like. The file system may provide high capacity storage capability for device 220. The cache may be, for example, Random-Access Memory (RAM) provided by semiconductor memory. Device 220 may further include RAM and/or ROM that can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner.

In some embodiments, device 220 includes a user input device that allows a user of device 220 to interact with device 220. The user input device may take a variety of forms, such as a button, keypad, dial, etc. Still further, device 220 may include a display (e.g., a screen display) to display information to the user. Device 220 may also includes a bus interface that couples to a data link. The data link may allow device 220 to couple to a host computer over a wired or wireless connection.

Accessory 230 may be any device, cable, attachment, and the like that may be coupled to device 220. Some examples of accessory 230 are speakers, headphones, audio input/output cables, video input/output cables, FM/TV tuners/receivers/broadcasters, voice recorders, USB cables, FireWire cables, and the like.

In one example of operation, dock 210 provides communication between device 220 and accessory 230. In general, dock 210 permits daisy chaining of accessories (e.g., accessory 230) that may be connected to the dock to device 220. Dock 210 may be linked physically to device 220 and accessory 230. Alternatively, dock 210 may be wirelessly linked to either or both of device 220 and accessory 230. Accessory 230 further may be physically integrated into dock 220.

FIG. 3A is a block diagram illustrating a front view of a docking station 300 in one embodiment according to the present invention. In this example, docking station 300 includes a base 310, communications port 320, and a remote controller 330.

Communications port 320 may be used by a receiver internal to base 310 when picking-up wireless transmissions from a remote controller 330. Remote controller 330 may include a plurality of user input controls (not shown). It should be noted that remote controller 330 could transmit any of a number of signals such as infrared, radio frequency (RF), audio signals, and the like. Through use of the user input controls on remote controller 330, the user is able to indirectly interact with a device attached to docking station 300 (e.g., media player 100 of FIG. or device 220 of FIG. 2) or directly interact with the docking station 300.

For example, a user of remote controller 330 can interact with the user input controls to select a media item to be played on a portable media player. Remote controller 330 can also be used to alter the volume of the audio output.

FIG. 3B is a block diagram illustrating a rear view of docking station 300 in one embodiment according to the present invention. In this example, docking station 300 includes an audio output jack 340 and an interface 350.

Docking station 300 may allow audio to be provided through audio output jack 340. In one example, interface 350 includes a 30 pin connector. Video signals (e.g., component, composite, s-video) may be routed through the 30-pin connector. Audio may also be routed out of the 30-pin connector. The audio volume coming out of the audio jack and the 30-pin connector can be adjusted—that is adjusted based on the UI setting for the volume to be output through audio output jack 340 or interface 350 (e.g., the 30-pin connector).

FIG. 3C is a block diagram illustrating is a top view of docking station 300 in one embodiment according to the present invention. In this example, docking station 300 includes base 310 and interface 360. Typically, an electronic device is coupled to interface 360 and one or more accessories are coupled to interface 350.

In some embodiments, docking station 300 includes hardware and/or software elements configured to remember the volume setting for when an accessory (e.g., a smart video cable, or a speaker system) is plugged into docking station 300. Docking station 300 can remember the volume setting for audio output jack 340 and/or interface 350. In one embodiment, the remembered volume setting is for any accessory using the connection. In another embodiment, the remembered volume setting is for a particular accessory using that particular connection. The identification of a particular volume setting may be communicated through the same or similar process as for receiving the preferences. The volume setting for each accessory that has been connected may be stored in the dock.

In one embodiment, the line-out signal from the electronic device is attenuated or amplified locally in the dock, thereby providing a volume control. In another embodiment, the dock can send a signal to the electronic device to have a volume setting of the electronic device changed.

In some embodiments, docking station 300 includes hardware and/or software elements configured to enable/disable one or more features an electronic device coupled to docking station 300.

Traditionally, media players have always kept their audio line out open. However, this is no longer the case. For example, smart phones and other devices that have a speaker, which may not want the audio line out open. In one embodiment, docking station 300 may instruct a electronic device, such as an iPod®/iPhone®, to turn ON/OFF its line out. In another embodiment, docking station 300 may not instruct an electronic device to turn its line out ON unless an audio conducting accessory is attached to either audio output jack 340 or interface 350 (e.g., the 30-pin connector). For example, if a simple charging cable is connected to the 30-pin connector interface 350, docking station 300 may not activate the line out feature of an electronic device. However, if a speaker system is hooked up to either audio output jack 340 or interface 350, docking station 300 may set the volume based on the last volume setting, and then instruct the electronic device to turn ON its line out.

In another embodiment, docking station 300 may instruct an electronic device to enable/disable an echo cancellation program. As one example, an echo cancellation program uses active software algorithms to remove echo's from speakerphone conversations. Docking station 300 may include identification information which may be provided to the electronic device so that the electronic device can initiate the appropriate echo cancellation program (e.g., the program for a particular model, version, and the like of docking station 300).

For example, the audio behavior and inherent echo patterns are vastly different when the phone is sitting in a dock (because the speaker is down on the bottom, and thus “inside” of the dock). Thus, a particular echo cancellation program may be needed for a particular dock, which announces itself as possibly requiring those unique parameters for the echo cancellation program.

In various embodiments, docking station 300 includes authentication circuitry to identify, validate, and/or authenticate an electronic device (e.g., an iPod®) that may be attached to docking station 300. In one aspect, the authentication is a process by which an accessory proves to an electronic device that it is a genuine approved accessory. In one embodiment, the authentication is done using public/private key cryptography. The accessory can be the dock or the accessory connected to the dock. In another aspect, an authentication process proves to the accessory that the electronic device is a genuine approved electronic device.

In one embodiment, when an accessory is connected to docking station 300 using interface 350, docking station 300 communicates with the accessory and asks the accessory if it has any preferences. If the accessory does have preferences, docking station 300 may forward the preferences to an attached electronic device, such as an iPod® or iPhone®. The electronic device may provide data to the accessory through docking station 300 in response to receiving the preferences from docking station 300. In essence, docking station 300 serves as a “preference proxy” or preference go-between between the accessory and the electronic device.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating interactions between a docking station (e.g., docking station 300) and an accessory in one embodiment according to the present invention. The processing depicted in FIG. 4 may be performed by software modules (e.g., instructions or code) executed by a processor of a computer system, by hardware modules of the computer system, or combinations thereof. FIG. 4 begins in step 400.

In step 410, docking station 300 performs identification and/or an authentication with an electronic device (e.g. media player 100). In one embodiment, the identification allows advanced features to be used. Docking station 300 may use one or more protocols, such as an accessory protocol to perform identification and/or authentication. One example of such a protocol is the iPod Accessory Protocol (iAP) provided by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.

In step 420, docking station 300 recognizes the presence of an accessory. In step 430, docking station 300 obtains a set of preferences from the accessory. The set of preferences may include information indicative of services or features available, commands, requests for services or features available, and the like.

In one example, the accessory automatically broadcasts a message containing the set of preferences which is intercepted by docking station 300. In another example, upon recognition of the accessory, the accessory attempts to authenticate itself with the docking station 300 according to one or more authentication protocols. After authentication, docking station 300 may generate and transmit to the accessory a message indicative of a request for a set of preferences. In one embodiment, the authentication is required for the request to be sent.

In step 440, docking station 300 receives a set of preferences and forwards the set of preferences to media player 100. In step 450, media player 100 acknowledges the set of preferences (e.g. acknowledging a request for one or more services). In step 460, docking station 300 forwards the acknowledgment to the accessory.

In step 470, media player 100 enables settings requested by the accessory. For example, an A/V cable accessory attached to docking station 300 may request that media player 100 enable the output of audio/visual information according to a predetermined scheme. Accordingly, media player 100 may enable the output of audio/visual information on one or more pins coupled to interface 360. The information then may be routed via interface 350 to the accessory. FIG. 4 ends in step 480.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for enabling one or more signals associated with a first electronic device based on the presence of a second electronic device at a docking station in one embodiment according to the present invention. FIG. 5 begins in step 500.

In step 510, presence of a first electronic device is detected at a docking station. For example, the presence of media player 100 may be detected at a 30-pin interface associated with docking station 300.

In step 520, presence of a second electronic device is detected at a docking station. For example, the presence of an accessory, such as a cable, is detected at a 30-pin interface associated with docking station 300.

In step 530, an instruction is generated to enable one or more signals associated with the first electronic device based on the presence of the second electronic device. In one example, docking station 300 instructs media player 100 to enable its line out when a cable accessory is detected at docking station 300. In another example, docking station 300 may instruct media player 100 to enable video signals, upsampling settings, downsampling settings, format modifications, timing changes, and other audio/video effects.

In step 540, the one or more signals associated with the first electronic device are enabled. For example, media player 100 may enable/disable line out, video output, audio/video format or signal type (e.g., analog/digital), control signals, timing signals, and the like. Other functionalities and settings associated with media player 100 may also be modified (e.g., enabled/disable) by docking station 300. FIG. 5 ends in step 600.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method for modifying a volume signal using docking station 300 in one embodiment according to the present invention. FIG. 6 begins in step 600.

In step 610, input is received from a remote controller (e.g. remote controller 330 associated with docking station 300) indicative of a change in volume. In step 620, docking station 300 modifies the volume in response to the input. In one embodiment, the volume is modified by an electrical attenuation applied to the audio signal coming from the electronic device.

In step 630, docking station 300 notifies an electronic device attached to docking station 300 to update the volume. In one example, docking station 300 generates a signal indicative of the change in volume. In another example, docking station 300 generates a message indicative of the change in volume. In one aspect, a volume level displayed on the device UI is changed based on the notification.

In step 640, the electronic device updates a user interface in response to the volume update. For example, media player 100 may update visual information displayed to the user to reflect the change in volume. FIG. 6 ends in step 650.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for modifying a volume signal using a portable electronic device coupled to docking station 300 in one embodiment according to the present invention. FIG. 7 begins in step 700.

In step 710, input is received at the electronic device indicative of a change in volume. In step 720, the volume at the device is modified in response to the input. In step 730, docking station 300 is notified to update the volume. In one example, docking station 300 monitors one or more signals provided by the electronic device indicative of a volume level. In another example, docking station 300 receives a message generated by the electronic device indicative of a change in volume.

In step 740, docking station 300 modifies the volume in response to the volume update. For example, docking station 300 may adjust the level or signal strength of audio output jack 340. In another example, docking station 300 may adjust the level or signal strength of audio information being output using interface 350. FIG. 7 ends in step 750.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method for initiating echo cancellation using docking station 300 in one embodiment according to the present invention. FIG. 8 begins in step 800.

In step 810, docking station 300 generates one or more instructions to media player 100 to initiate an echo cancellation program. The one or more instructions may be any signal, message, and the like, instructing media player 100 to initiate an echo cancellation program. In step 820, docking station 300 sends the instruction and dock information to electronic device. The dock information may be an identifier, serial number, model number, and the like, that may be used to identify docking station 300 and/or software, firmware, or hardware elements associated with docking station 300. In one embodiment, the accessory connected to the dock could be identified in a same or similar manner.

In step 830, media player 100 initiates an echo cancellation program based on the dock information. For example, media player 100 may determine a particular echo cancellation routine to be executed based on an identifier associated with docking station 300. In another example, media player 100 may select between one or more echo cancellation routines or programs based on information from docking station 300.

Thus, docking station 300 may instruct an electronic device to enable/disable an echo cancellation program. Docking station 300 may include identification information which may be provided to the electronic device so that the electronic device can initiate the appropriate echo cancellation program (e.g., the program for a particular model, version, and the like, of docking station 300). FIG. 8 ends in step 840.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are a flowchart illustrating interactions between an electronic device, a docking station, and an accessory in one embodiment according to the present invention. The following sequence illustrates an example of the events when connecting an accessory to docking station 300. Hence, the present descriptions and drawings should not be considered in a limiting sense, as it is understood that the present invention is in no way limited to only the embodiments illustrated.

In this example, an A/V cable is attached to docking station 300 hosting an iPod® media player. All video lines are passed directly from media player 100 (e.g., via an iPod® 30-pin connector) through docking station 300 to the A/V cable. In order to properly enable the correct audio and video functionality, two separate iAP conversations may occur: one between the A/V cable and docking station 300, and one between docking station 300 and media player 100. FIG. 9A begins in step 900.

In step 905, docking station 300 identifies and authenticates itself to an electronic device (e.g., media player 100). In one example, after authentication, docking station 300 requests line-out audio from media player 100. Media player 100 then may supply audio to a 30-pin connector with which it interfaces with docking station 300.

In step 910, docking station 300 recognizes the presence of an accessory (e.g., the A/V cable). For example, docking station 300 may recognize the presence of an accessory attached to an accessory interface that has pulled a predetermined signal to ground. This signal may be called an “Accessory Detect.”

In step 915, upon successful authentication to media player 100, docking station 300 enables power to the accessory interface. For example, docking station 300 may enable power to a 30-pin connector with which it interfaces with accessories. In step 920, the A/V cable powers on and identifies itself. In one example, the A/V cable powers on an identifies itself via one or more commands associated with an accessory protocol, such as iAP.

In various embodiments, docking station 300 may authenticate with the accessory according to one or more accessory protocols. The authentication may be performed in either direction. In this example, in step 925, docking station 300 does not respond to commands sent from the A/V cable in an attempt to authenticate with an electronic device. Nevertheless, in step 930, docking station 300 proceeds to request preferences from the accessory. For example, docking station 300 may send one or more commands associated with an accessory protocol, thereby instructing the A/V cable to issue any preferences it desires.

In step 935, the A/V cable sends preferences indicating that audio and video outputs be enabled. For example, the A/V cable may request that audio and video output be enabled via one or more commands associated with the accessory protocol. The A/V cable may further specify the desired video output type (i.e., component and composite, respectively).

In step 940, docking station 300 forwards the preferences to the electronic device. In one example, docking station 300 forwards a series of one or more commands to media player 100. FIG. 9A ends in step 945.

FIG. 9B begins in step 950. In step 955, media player 100 determines whether to acknowledge the preferences. In step 960, if media player 100 was not able to enable functionality according to the requested preferences, in step 965, media player 100 generates an acknowledgment indicative of failure. In step 970, media player 100 enables functionality according to one or more predetermined defaults.

Returning to step 960, if media player 100 was able to enable functionality according to the request at preferences, in step 975, media player 100 generates an acknowledgment indicative of success. In step 980, media player 100 enables functionality according to the requested preferences. For example, media player 100 may enable output of content in a manner requested by the accessory and in a format requested by the accessory.

In step 985, docking station 300 forwards any acknowledgments received from media player 100 to the A/V cable accessory. FIG. 9B ends in step 990.

FIG. 10 is a simplified block diagram of a computer system 1000 that may incorporate embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 10 is merely illustrative of an embodiment incorporating the present invention and does not limit the scope of the invention as recited in the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives.

In one embodiment, computer system 1000 includes processor(s) 1010, random access memory (RAM) 1020, disk drive 1030, input device(s) 1040, output device(s) 1050, display 1060, communications interface(s) 1070, and a system bus 1080 interconnecting the above components. Other components, such as file systems, storage disks, read only memory (ROM), cache memory, codecs, and the like may be present.

RAM 1020 and disk drive 1030 are examples of tangible media configured to store data such as audio, image, and movie files, operating system code, embodiments of the present invention, including executable computer code, human readable code, or the like. Other types of tangible media include floppy disks, removable hard disks, optical storage media such as CD-ROMS, DVDs and bar codes, semiconductor memories such as flash memories, read-only-memories (ROMS), battery-backed volatile memories, networked storage devices, and the like.

In various embodiments, input device 1040 is typically embodied as a computer mouse, a trackball, a track pad, a joystick, a wireless remote, a drawing tablet, a voice command system, an eye tracking system, a multi-touch interface, a scroll wheel, a click wheel, a touch screen, an FM/TV tuner, audio/video inputs, and the like. Input device 1040 may allow a user to select objects, icons, text, and the like, via a command such as a click of a button or the like. In various embodiments, output device 1050 is typically embodied as a display, a printer, a force-feedback mechanism, an audio output, a video component output, and the like. Display 1060 may include a CRT display, an LCD display, a Plasma display, and the like.

Embodiments of communications interface 1070 may include computer interfaces, such as include an Ethernet card, a modem (telephone, satellite, cable, ISDN), (asynchronous) digital subscriber line (DSL) unit, FireWire interface, USB interface, and the like. For example, these computer interfaces may be coupled to a computer network 1090, to a FireWire bus, or the like. In other embodiments, these computer interfaces may be physically integrated on the motherboard or system board of computer system 1000, and may be a software program, or the like.

In various embodiments, computer system 1000 may also include software that enables communications over a network such as the HTTP, TCP/IP, RTP/RTSP protocols, and the like. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, other communications software and transfer protocols may also be used, for example IPX, UDP or the like.

In various embodiments, computer system 1000 may also include an operating system, such as Microsoft Windows®, Linux®, Mac OS X®, real-time operating systems (RTOSs), open source and proprietary OSs, and the like.

FIG. 10 is representative of a media player and/or computer system capable of embodying the present invention. It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many other hardware and software configurations are suitable for use with the present invention. For example, the media player may be a desktop, portable, rack-mounted or tablet configuration. Additionally, the media player may be a series of networked computers. Moreover, the media player may be a mobile device, an embedded device, a personal digital assistant, a smartphone, and the like. In still other embodiments, the techniques described above may be implemented upon a chip or an auxiliary processing board.

The present invention can be implemented in the form of control logic in software or hardware or a combination of both. The control logic may be stored in an information storage medium as a plurality of instructions adapted to direct an information-processing device to perform a set of steps disclosed in embodiments of the present invention. Based on the disclosure and teachings provided herein, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate other ways and/or methods to implement the present invention.

The embodiments discussed herein are illustrative of one or more examples of the present invention. As these embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to illustrations, various modifications or adaptations of the methods and/or specific structures described may become apparent to those skilled in the art. All such modifications, adaptations, or variations that rely upon the teachings of the present invention, and through which these teachings have advanced the art, are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. Hence, the present descriptions and drawings should not be considered in a limiting sense, as it is understood that the present invention is in no way limited to only the embodiments illustrated.

The above description is illustrative but not restrictive. Many variations of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the disclosure. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but instead should be determined with reference to the pending claims along with their full scope or equivalents. 

1. A docking station for communicating between an accessory and an electronic device, the docking station comprising: a first interface configured to communicate with the electronic device; a second interface configured to communicate with the accessory; and a processor coupled to the first interface and the second interface, the processor configured to: generate a request for a set of preferences; send, to the accessory, the request for the set of preferences; and receive the set of preferences from the accessory and forward the set of preferences to the electronic device.
 2. The docking station of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to receive information from the electronic device in response to the set of preferences and forward the information to the accessory.
 3. The docking station of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to authenticate the electronic device.
 4. The docking station of claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a portable media player.
 5. The docking station of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to interact with the electronic device to modify output of one or more signals associated with the electronic device.
 6. The docking station of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to modify a volume setting.
 7. The docking station of claim 6, wherein the processor is further configured to modify the volume setting based on a stored volume setting.
 8. The docking station of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to interact with the electronic device to initiate an echo cancellation program.
 9. A method for communicating between an accessory and an electronic device, the method comprising: detecting presence of an accessory at a docking station that couples the accessory to an electronic device; receiving, from the accessory at the docking station, a set of preferences associated with the accessory; and enabling one or more functionalities associated with the electronic device based on the set of preferences, wherein the one or more functionalities associated with the electronic device include a first functionality for providing certain output signals to the accessory.
 10. The method of claim 9 further comprising: authenticating the docking station to the electronic device.
 11. The method of claim 9 further comprising: generating a request for the set of preferences at the docking station.
 12. The method of claim 9 further comprising: receiving information from the electronic device at the docking station in response to the set of preferences; and delivering the information to the accessory.
 13. The method of claim 9 further comprising: modifying, at the docking station, output of one or more signals associated with the electronic device.
 14. The method of claim 9 further comprising: modifying a volume setting at the docking station.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein modifying the volume setting comprises modifying the volume setting based on a stored volume setting.
 16. The method of claim 9 further comprising: modifying a video setting at the docking station.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the video setting comprises at least one of an upsampling setting, a downsampling setting, a format setting, a timing setting, and a video effect setting.
 18. The method of claim 9 further comprising: generating, at the docking station, information instructing the electronic device to initiate an echo cancellation program.
 19. The method of claim 9, wherein the certain output signals include video signals, and wherein the first functionality is for output signals of a particular type of video signals.
 20. The method of claim 9, wherein the first functionality is for the electronic device to output the certain output signals to the docking station for sending to the accessory.
 21. An electronic device holder suitable for holding an electronic device and for managing an accessory used to connect the electronic device to an external electrical system, the electronic device holder comprising: a first interface configured to receive the electronic device; a second interface configured to receive the accessory; and a base component having circuitry configured to communicate with the accessory through the second interface to determine a set of preferences and to communicate with the electronic device through the first interface to deliver the set of preferences from the accessory, wherein the processor is further configured to modify one or more signals received from the electronic device before transmitting the one or more signals from an output of the docking station to the accessory, and wherein the modification of the one or more signals is based on the set of preferences.
 22. The electronic device holder of claim 21 further comprising: a wireless communications interface configured to receive information indicative of one or one functionalities associated with the electronic device.
 23. The electronic device holder of claim 21 further comprising: authentication circuitry configured to authenticate to the electronic device.
 24. The electronic device holder of claim 21 further comprising: a third interface configured to output an audio signal; and audio control circuitry configured to control output of one or more signals from the electronic device through the third interface.
 25. The electronic device holder of claim 21 further comprising: control circuitry configured to control a volume setting associated with the electronic device.
 26. The electronic device holder of claim 25 wherein the control circuitry is further configured to control the volume setting in response to a stored volume setting.
 27. The electronic device holder of claim 26, wherein the stored volume setting corresponds to the accessory, and wherein another stored volume setting corresponds to a different accessory.
 28. The electronic device holder of claim 21 further comprising: control circuitry configured to interact with the electronic device to initiate one or more functionalities associated with the electronic device.
 29. The electronic device holder of claim 28 wherein the one or more functionalities associated with the electronic device comprises an echo cancellation program. 